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JOB

TOO WONDERFUL FOR ME

By Emalyn Spencer

Teacher’s Guide

By Pat Franklin

© 2017 Committee on Discipleship Ministries

Presbyterian Church in America

1700 N. Brown Road, Suite 102

Lawrenceville, GA 30044

The book, Job: Too Wonderful for Me, can be purchased through the PCA Bookstore

www.pcabookstore.com

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Lesson One

My Servant Job

Job 1:1—2:10

Lesson Goals:

1. To get an overview of the life of Job and understand his character.

2. To understand the biblical concept of servanthood and how we, like Job, may exemplify it.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for His wisdom and insight as you study this portion of Scripture and prepare the lesson.

2. Read Job 1:1—2:10 in several translations (English Standard Version, New American Standard Version or New International Version).

3. Make notes as you read. Write down anything which particularly strikes you concerning Job's character.

4. List all the blessings Job was endowed with and then which trials came upon him.

5. Read chapter one of Mrs. Spencer's book.

6. Underline or make notes on key points which you will want to bring out in your lesson.

7. Organize an outline of the lesson content you wish to teach, using your notes and Mrs. Spencer's chapter.

Class Procedure:

1. Open with prayer; requesting teachable and obedient hearts as you study this week's lesson.

2. Introduce this study of Job. There will be four things we will ask our women to commit themselves to during the course of the study:

a. Read the Scripture and the study book.

b. Study, dig into the passage, make notes, prepare assigned questions ahead of time.

c. List everything it says about God through Job, and mark every one new for you.

d. Pray for the Holy Spirit to apply the Scriptures in your life and for others who may be undergoing particular trials in their lives.

e. Share. Minister to others by sharing trials you may have undergone in the past or are presently undergoing — this is a significant way to build up the body of Christ and the women in your group.

3. Begin the lesson by going over Mrs. Spencer's introduction: establish who Job was, where else he is referred to in Scripture, etc.

4. Have the women look through Job 1 and list all the material blessings Job was endowed with. You might list these on a whiteboard or project them.

5. Take a moment to digress and discuss Job's relationship with his children. This gives us great

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insight into the type of person Job was. At this point, some women may wish to share experiences they have gone through with their children and how the Lord answered their prayers. Some may want to share trials they are going through now with their children. Note Mrs. Spencer's comments on what our attitude and actions should be toward children who are not surrendered to Christ.

6. Take time to look up the references in Job 29 and 31 which give further insight into Job's character. Note his attitude toward the wealth and blessings he possessed. What was his first priority in life? What is ours? How consumed are we with the accumulation of "treasures on earth?"

7. Have the women go back through chapter one and list the tragedies that occurred. You may want to record these opposite of where you recorded Job's blessings on the board. Help the women verbalize the extreme contrast that very suddenly occurred in Job's life.

8. Note Job's reaction: what did he say?

9. Discuss the reaction of Job's wife. What should her reaction have been? How might we react if our husbands lost their health, Jobs, money, and children all in one day? What might our attitude be toward our husbands? Toward God?

10. Go back and discuss briefly the earlier part of chapter one concerning the scene which took place in heaven. How did God refer to Job? (My servant, Job)

11. How often do we think of our relationship with God in terms of servanthood? Do we sometimes tend to think of God as the One to whom we owe our very life and want to serve in gratitude for all He has done for us? How is the concept of servanthood contrary to our human nature?

12. Move on to discuss Mrs. Spencer's section on servanthood.

13. Conclude the lesson by allowing the women to share anything which struck them as particularly meaningful during the study.

14. Remind everyone; God gave us the Bible primarily to tell us about Himself. So, what did you learn about God in this chapter?

15. Close with a time of prayer for one another. You may even want to divide your group up into prayer partners for the prayer time and for the following month.

Assignment:

Assign the following questions to one or more women to complete for the next meeting. (Each women should have at least one question to work on.)

1. What is Satan's purpose as he roams about the earth?

2. Discuss the scene in heaven in Job 1. Who first mentioned Job's name? How do we see Satan's role as accuser here? Is Satan's power limited?

3. Find other instances in Scripture where we can see Satan's power, how he works through his legions of demons and his clever disguises.

4. List and elaborate on the five ways we can effectively combat Satan in our lives.

5. Evaluate the statement, "The devil made me do it."

6. Discuss the concept of temptation / sin and why God allows Satan to tempt us. (Wouldn't it be easier to live the Christian life if Satan left us alone?)

7. What additional information has God revealed about Himself in this section?

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Lesson Two

Satan — God's Tool?

Job 1:6-15; 2:1-8; Ephesians 6

Lesson Goal:

1. To study Satan's strategies in order to be better able to combat him.

2. To study specific ways in which we can prevent Satan from weakening us and destroying our testimony.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray for spiritual strength and wisdom as you prepare this lesson.

2. Read Job 1:6-15; 2:1-8 and Ephesians 6 in a modern translation (ESV; NASB; NIV).

3. Make notes as you read. Write down anything you discover concerning the way Satan works. Note also the relationship between God and Satan. In the Ephesians passage, note specific ways to defeat Satan.

4. You might find THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS by C.S. Lewis to be a helpful resource here (available from the PCABookstore.com).

5. Read chapter two in Mrs. Spencer's book.

6. Underline or make notes of key points and ideas which you will want to bring out in the lesson.

7. Go over the assigned questions which you handed out at your last meeting. These could serve as a basic outline for your class discussion.

Class Procedure:

1. Open with prayer, asking the Holy Spirit for discerning hearts and spiritual strength as we learn more about our enemy, Satan, and how to effectively combat him in our daily lives.

2. Use the assigned questions as an outline for your discussion. Let each woman or women share their findings which they have prepared and then discuss each question as a group.

3. You may wish to provide additional insights from your study.

4. As an object lesson concerning temptation, you might use the following: (You will need a mousetrap and some cheese.) "If I were trying to catch a mouse in my home, I would need a trap. Would setting the trap be enough to catch the mouse? No, I would have to set it in the right place — a place where the mouse would be apt to come, such as in the pantry! Would setting the trap in the right place be sufficient? No, I would need to put some bait in it and the bait would have to be something that the mouse particularly likes, such as cheese." (Put the cheese in the trap and get the trap ready to catch a mouse.) "Satan works in much the same way as a clever trapper. Reuses just the right type of bait to make us sin; for some it may be money, for others fame, for others clothes. And Satan knows just when and where to set the traps, too. Maybe he can convince you that you are too sleepy on Sunday morning to go to church or bait you with a good TV or internet program to cause you to miss a service.

"We need to be careful to stay out of Satan's traps or we will be caught." (Spring the trap!)

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5. Maybe when the questions have been thoroughly discussed, some of the women would feel free to share particular temptations they have had or are having to deal with. These need not be so personal as to embarrass anyone, but often it is encouraging to know someone else is having a hard time with the same things you are. It also gives hope to know someone else has achieved victory over something that you are now struggling with.

6. What do we learn about God from this lesson? What is He trying to teach us?

7. Close with a time of prayer for one another. If you have a large group, you may want to break up into small groups or pairs for the prayer time. You may even want to assign new prayer partners for the next month.

Assignment:

1. Discuss in detail the nature of Job's suffering.

2. What are some causes for suffering or catastrophes?

3. What is God's motive in allowing or sending suffering?

4. What can we learn from a suffering or difficult experience?

5. What more does God want us to know about Him and how He works in suffering? Assign each question to one or more women. Encourage them to really dig and study for answers to these questions. Mrs. Spencer's book and the Scripture passages she lists will be helpful in answering the questions.

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Lesson Three

Among the Ashes

Job 2, 42:10, Lamentations 3

Lesson Goals:

1. To study some of the explanations for pain and sorrow.

2. To learn more about God and His motive in allowing or sending pain and suffering.

3. To learn how we may benefit and glorify Christ through our painful experiences. Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit's wisdom as you prepare this lesson.

2. Take time to pray for each woman in your group.

3. Read Job 2, 42:10 and Lamentations 3 at least twice.

4. Study the lesson goals. As you read the Scriptures, make notes in light of your goals. Write down any questions you may have concerning suffering.

5. Read chapter three in Mrs. Spencer's book.

6. Take any unanswered questions to your pastor or an elder.

7. Go through the questions which were assigned last month. You may want to use these as your basic outline for discussion.

8. Organize any other notes which you may want to use at class time. Class Procedure:

1. Open with prayer thanking God for His loving care in each of our lives.

2. Use the assigned questions as an outline for your class discussion. Let each woman or women share their answers and then discuss each question as a group. Encourage other women to ask questions.

3. You may wish to provide additional insights from your personal study.

4. An object lesson relating to suffering is the idea of the oyster and the pearl: (you could bring a string of pearls to class). "Not all oysters make pearls — a pearl is formed when a tiny speck of sand gets into the shell. Without the bothersome, irritating sand, the beautiful pearl would never be formed. So God sends things into our lives which make us more like Him." You could also use the illustration of the ugly lump of rock which when chiseled and hammered and refined may become a precious monument.

5. When the questions have been discussed, encourage the women to share from their personal lives experiences which they can look back upon and see how God used it for good in their lives or how they learned some spiritual truth from them. Maybe some of the women would even feel free to share experiences in which they did not see God's purposes or which they are presently burdened by. If some women seem reluctant to share you may want to be prepared to share from your own life.

6. Divide up into pairs for the closing prayer time. Assign new prayer partners for the upcoming month.

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Assignment:

Assign each question to one or more women to be answered at the next meeting. Encourage women to dig into the Scriptures and pray to find the answers to these questions.

1. What is a friend?

2. How does a friendship evolve and what keeps it alive and healthy?

3. List and evaluate the things Job's friends did right.

4. List and evaluate the things Job's friends did wrong.

5. Discuss our Christian responsibility (privilege) to "straighten out" those who are entangled in sin. What questions should we ask ourselves before approaching such a person?

6. What was Job's reaction to his friends? Discuss his response and how it can be applied to our friendships today.

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Lesson Four

A Friend Loves at All Times

Job 5-6; Galatians 6:1-2

Lesson Goals:

1. To understand the biblical concept of friendship.

2. To evaluate the counsel and approach of Job's friends.

3. To study Job's response to his friends and apply lessons in our friendships today.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Take time to thank God for the friends He has given you.

2. Pray for wisdom and insight as you prepare this lesson.

3. Read Job 5, 6 and Galatians 6:1-2.

4. Make notes on what you observe these Scriptures to say about friendship – both good and bad.

5. Read chapter four of Mrs. Spencer's book.

6. Underline or make notes of important points you will want to bring out in the lesson.

7. Take time to study and "research" the assigned questions. You will want to be prepared to give thorough answers in case someone is absent or needs additional help. Evaluate your own relationships as you complete this study. What would God have you do as a result of this lesson?

8. Organize the discussion questions and your notes into a basic outline for class discussion.

Class Procedure:

1. Open with prayer thanking God for the relationships He has given us within His family. Pray that the Holy Spirit will apply this lesson to each heart and mind present.

2. You might want to begin the class by having the women share memories of friendships which have been especially meaningful to them. For some it may have been a childhood best friend and for others it may be the person who led them to Christ or someone who discipled them when they were a new Christian.

3. List on the board particular characteristics of close friendships or any ideas on friendship which the women describe.

4. This is a good introduction to the first discussion question. Begin here and go through each question, giving the women opportunity to share their answers and perhaps ask other questions.

5. You might wish to close the discussion by summarizing what has been learned about friendship and listing these things on board.

6. Close the class with a time of conversational prayer. Pray for one another and thank God for each other. You might have each person simply say, "Thank you God for:________ (the person on the left)."

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Assignment:

Assign each question to one or more women for the next study.

1. Evaluate Dr. Peeples' statement at the beginning of Mrs. Spencer's chapter.

2. What was Job's flaw and how is the same flaw common to all of us? Give Scripture references.

3. Name and discuss two common responses to trials and tribulations.

4. Name some causes of depression. Is depression always a sin? Discuss in detail.

5. Evaluate Elihu's message to Job.

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Lesson Five

The Flaw in the Perfect Man

Job 2:11-13; 32-37; Romans 3:10-12

Lesson Goals:

1. To understand Job's sinful nature and how this affected his response to his circumstances.

2. To study the biblical view of depression.

3. To contrast Elihu's counsel with that of Job's other three friends.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance as you prepare this lesson.

2. Read Job 2:11-13; 3; 32-37 and Romans 3:10-12.

3. Look over the lesson goals. Establish what you want to accomplish through this study.

4. Make notes from the Scripture passages in light of your goals.

5. Read chapter five in Mrs. Spencer's book. Underline or write down important points which you will want to bring out in the lesson.

6. Take time to work through the assigned questions from last month. How can you relate this study to your own experience? Be prepared to share what this study has meant to you personally.

7. Organize the discussion questions and your notes into an outline for your lesson plan.

Class Procedure:

1. Open with prayer thanking God for His loving and watchful care in our lives. You might ask several women to lead in prayer to this effect.

2. Begin your discussion with the first assigned question. Discuss this in detail. Have the women share how different daily situations reflect the way they really are. It is easy to be kind and good when everything goes our way! You might use the illustration that we are like a bucket. Our bucket is either filled with honey or vinegar. When the bucket is jostled or tipped (by a trial or hard time) what comes out? The honey or the vinegar?

3. Move on to discuss each of the assigned questions.

4. Remember to add insights from your personal study where appropriate. Encourage the women to share from their personal experiences.

5. When each question has been thoroughly discussed assign new prayer partners for the following meeting.

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6. Divide into pairs (put each woman with her newly assigned partner) for closing prayer time. Encourage the women to share personal requests and specific requests — requests that will result in a definite answer. For example: Someone might ask prayer to help her become more Christ-like. This is a worthy request, but it is hard to tell when this prayer is answered as it is an ongoing process filled with ups and downs. However, if the same person were to ask prayer that she might not lose her temper at her teen-age daughter for a week, then we could see a specific answer to prayer. This is often much more encouraging and uplifting and it helps the women grow closer together as well.

Assignment:

Assign each question to one or more women to be completed for the next meeting.

1. Define patience. Give several Scriptural illustrations.

2. Discuss some causes of impatience.

3. Discuss the three stages of Job's responses to his afflictions.

4. Analyze Psalm 37 in terms of practical instructions on how to wait patiently.

5. Make a list of things which make you the most impatient. Make another list of practical things which you can do to alleviate the situation and use the time wisely.

6. Who is our ultimate example of patience and long suffering? Give several examples from Scripture.

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Lesson Six

Count It All Joy

James 1, 5:11

Lesson Goals:

1. To understand the Scriptural concept of patience.

2. To learn how we can become more patient in our reactions to our circumstances.

3. To study the example of God and His patience and longsuffering to help us better appreciate what He has done for us and what we can do for others.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray for wisdom as you prepare this lesson.

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to deal with you personally in the area of patience.

3. Read James 1 and 5:11.

4. Make notes as you read what these Scriptures say about patience and the purpose of trials in our lives.

5. Read chapter six of Mrs. Spencer's book.

6. Underline or make notes of key points as you read.

7. Take time to complete and "research" the assigned questions.

8. Examine your life and what the Lord would have you do in relation to this study. Be prepared to share what you have learned/done as a result of this study. The Scripture has to be real in your life before you can impart it to others.

9. Organize your notes and the discussion questions into a basic outline for class discussion.

Class Procedure:

1. Open with prayer for willing and obedient hearts.

2. You might begin the class by sharing a story of someone in a situation that required patience. An excellent children's story (actually, all ages would enjoy it) is HURRY! HURRY! by Edith Hurd. It is available in most public libraries and only takes a few minutes to read. Or you may have a personal illustration or a missionary story which would be appropriate.

3. Move on to discuss the assigned discussion questions.

4. Allow plenty of time for related questions and comments.

5. When you get to question 5, ask other women to share their insights and you may want to record all answers on the board.

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6. When you get to question 6, help the women verbalize a renewed appreciation for God's longsuffering and what this means in our lives. How does this new appreciation and acknowledgement help us deal with our situations? Be specific. Have each woman say to herself or write down just for herself to see: The next time ____________ I will remember God's patience and longsuffering with me.

7. Assign new prayer partners for the upcoming meeting and divide into these pairs for the closing prayer time.

Assignment:

Assign the following questions to one or more women to be completed for the next study time.

1. How did Job come to the conclusion God was unjust? What should Job have learned about God?

2. Define wisdom and discuss its importance.

3. Where is wisdom found? Use Scripture references. How do we achieve it?

4. List and discuss the seven teachings from Proverbs on wisdom.

5. Compare and contrast godly wisdom with worldly wisdom.

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Lesson Seven

Where Shall Wisdom Be Found?

Job 34-42

Lesson Goals:

1. To understand the biblical concept of wisdom, its source and its value.

2. To compare and contrast godly and worldly wisdom.

3. To learn how we can apply and achieve wisdom in our daily lives.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you prepare this lesson.

2. Read Job 34-42.

3. Make notes as you read on what these chapters say about wisdom.

4. In what ways was Job lacking wisdom? What finally brought him to respond as he did in chapter 42?

5. Read chapter seven in Mrs. Spencer's book.

6. Underline or make additional notes of key points you will want to bring out in your lesson.

7. Take time to study all the Scripture passages she refers to which relate to wisdom.

8. Write out your answers to the assigned questions. You will want to be prepared in case someone is absent or needs additional insight.

9. Organize your notes and answers to the questions into a basic outline for class discussion.

Class Procedure:

1. Open by praying each woman might increase in godly wisdom as a result of this study.

2. You might begin the study by asking the women to think of someone who they perceive to be particularly wise. Perhaps they would feel free to share the name of that person. Have them describe the characteristics of that person. Have them describe the characteristics of that person which distinguish him or her from those less wise. You might wish to list these on the board.

3. You might introduce the lesson by pointing out while Job's initial response to his devastating circumstances was godly and reflected great spiritual maturity, he later lost that perspection and lacked godly wisdom.

4. Go ahead with the first discussion question. Be sure to discuss the details of the progression (regression) of Job's thinking. How is his reaction and thought process much like many of ours?

5. Move on to discuss the rest of the questions. Supplement the discussion from your notes where appropriate.

6. You may find the whiteboard particularly helpful in recording observations and answers to questions 4 and 5.

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7. Encourage the women to take notes for themselves.

8. Conclude the study time with a time of prayer. You may want to pray as a group or divide into pairs.

9. Assign new prayer partners for the upcoming meeting.

Assignment:

Assign the following questions to one or more women to be completed for the next study time.

1. What do the elements and the world around us teach us about God? (See Elihu's speech.}

2. Where else in Scripture does God use His works of creation to teach His children?

3. List some of the questions which God asked of Job. Why did God confront Job in this way?

4. How does God confront us today? What should our response be to His Word and His works around us?

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Lesson Eight

When the Morning Stars Sang Together

Job 37-42

Lesson Goals:

1. To learn about God's character from His creation.

2. To study the reason for God's confrontation with Job, His words to Job and Job's response.

3. To understand our proper response to God's creation and His Word.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray God would deal with you personally as a result of this study.

2. Read Job 37-42 at least twice.

3. Make notes as you read. Write down what you observe to be the main thrust of Elihu's speech.

4. What was God really saying to Job as He pointed out the wonders of creation and the "forces of nature"?

5. Think about how God's words to Job could be a comfort to those undergoing particularly difficult trials.

6. Read chapter eight in Mrs. Spencer's book. Underline or make notes as you read.

7. Answer the assigned questions. You may want to use these as a basic outline for class discussion. Plan to supplement with your notes where appropriate.

Class Procedure:

1. Open with prayer thanking God for His works and His Word.

2. You might begin your discussion by having the women recall a time when the wonders of creation were especially meaningful to them as they reflected on the Creator; perhaps for some on a retreat, or camping out in the woods, a family hike, or mountain climbing. Have the women describe their experiences and their accompanying thoughts and reactions.

3. Ask the group to respond to John Piper’s statement: “No one goes to the Grand Canyon to fee good about themselves.”

4. Move on to discuss the assigned questions.

5. Let each woman or group share their answers to the questions.

6. After each question, allow the other women to ask questions or make comments.

7. Supplement the discussion with observations from your study when appropriate.

8. Assign new prayer partners for the upcoming meeting.

9. Divide into prayer partners for the closing prayer time. Encourage the women to respond to this lesson by thanking God for His works around us and His works in our lives.

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Assignment:

Assign the following questions to one or more women to be completed by the next study time.

1. What is often our reaction when either we or those around us experience difficulties? Do we need to understand God's ways? Explain.

2. List some truths about God (and Scripture references) which help us understand His unquestionable sovereignty.

3. Discuss the concept of "fairness fever" and how it relates to our view of God.

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Lesson Nine

The Incomprehensible God

Isaiah 40

Lesson Goals:

1. To study God's sovereignty in all of life.

2. To understand our limitations in comprehending God's ways.

3. To contrast the worldly view of fairness with God's ways.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray for better understanding of God's Person and work as a result of this study.

2. Read Isaiah 40 several times in at least two different translations.

3. Make notes on what you read concerning God's ways and His sovereignty.

4. Read chapter nine in Mrs. Spencer's book.

5. Spend time in prayer, reflecting on what you have read and studied so far. Pray also for the ladies in your group. Pray this study will not only deepen their understanding of God and how He works, but that it will deepen their relationship with Him in a way that will change their lives.

6. Answer the assigned discussion questions.

7. Organize these questions and your notes into a basic outline for class discussion. Class Procedure:

1. Open the study time with a prayer of thanksgiving for who God is and the fact He does have dealings with us.

2. Begin your class time by having everyone turn to Isaiah 40 in their Bibles.

3. Have the women read the chapter silently and allow a few minutes for meditation.

4. Go ahead with the first discussion question. Have the women share their understanding and findings. Be sure to include in this discussion our natural desires to question and have a satisfactory reason for everything.

5. Move on to discuss the other questions. Supplement insights from your study where appropriate.

6. You might draw up a chart to contrast our concept of fairness with God's ways. You could use the board or a PowerPoint to aid in your discussion.

7. Summarize the key points of the lesson.

8. Close with a time of conversational prayer acknowledging God's sovereignty and might. Thank Him for His concern for us and our affairs.

9. Assign new prayer partners for the upcoming meeting.

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Assignment:

Assign each question to one or more women to be completed by the next study time.

1. List Job's four convictions (conclusions) found in Job 42:2-6.

2. How did God deal with Job's three friends? What can we learn about Him from this?

3. Describe the restorative process that took place in Job's life. What does this teach us about God? How can this encourage us in our trials?

4. List the principles involved in Job's reconciliation with his wife. How can I apply these in my life, marriage, and family?

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Lesson Ten

The Lord is Very Pitiful

Job 42

Lesson Goals:

1. To study God's restorative process in Job's life, the principles involved, and how we may apply these in our own lives.

2. To understand what Job learned from his trials.

3. To be encouraged in the midst of our trials.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit's wisdom and insight as you prepare this lesson. Pray He will convict you of in any area where this study has brought out to you areas needing change.

2. Study the lesson goals. Reflect on what you want to be accomplished in the lives of the women in your group as a result of this study. What would the Lord accomplish in your life as a result of this study?

3. Read Job 42 several times in at least two different translations.

4. Make notes as you read. You may just want to jot down the basic narrative of the chapter.

5. Make notes in light of your goals.

6. Read chapter ten in Mrs. Spencer's book.

7. Underline or make additional notes as you read.

8. Work through the assigned discussion questions. You may want to use these as a basic outline for your discussion.

9. Take time to pray for each woman, by name, in your study group. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be actively at work in the lives of each woman as this study draws closer to a close.

Class Procedure:

1. Open with prayer thanking God for His love and mercy in our lives.

2. Begin the discussion by asking if anyone has ever been in a situation that seemed so dark it appeared there was no way out. How does that same situation look now? What happened? How must Job have felt in his darkest hour?

3. Go on to the assigned discussion questions. Let each woman or group share her answers.

4. Allow plenty of time for other women to comment or ask questions.

5. Supplement the discussion from your personal study.

6. Where listing or summarizing principles is involved, you might find a using the board helpful.

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7. When the questions have been thoroughly discussed, invite the women to share how God has brought healing and restoration from difficult situations in their lives. Or, share how they will respond better in the future when similar situations arise.

8. Assign new prayer partners for the upcoming meeting and divide into pairs for the closing prayer time.

Assignment:

Assign each question to one or more women to be completed by the next study time.

1. Evaluate Job's statement in Job 13:15.

2. What does it really mean to trust in God? Why should we trust Him? Distinguish between "faith" and "trust."

3. List and discuss Mrs. Spencer's suggestions for achieving a trust in God which accepts everything He brings into our lives.

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Lesson Eleven

Though He Slay Me

Job 13:15, Romans 8:28-39

Lesson Goals:

1. To understand what it means to trust God.

2. To understand the correlation between faith and trust.

3. To learn and apply practical steps to achieving trust in God.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit's wisdom and insight as you prepare this lesson.

2. Study the lesson goals.

3. Pray these goals might be accomplished in the life of each woman in your group.

4. Think about in which areas of your life you need to trust God.

5. Read Job 13:15 and Romans 8:28-39 in two or three translations.

6. Study chapter 11 in Mrs. Spencer's book. Underline and/or make notes as you read. Take time to really study and meditate on all the material she covers.

7. Answer the assigned discussion questions.

8. What does God want you to do as a result of this study?

9. Organize an outline for your class discussion.

Class Procedure:

1. Begin with prayer asking God to increase our faith and trust in Him.

2. You might begin your discussion with Mrs. Spencer's story of boarding the steamboat. Discuss her trust of her father. Other women might have similar experiences to share.

3. Have each woman read Job 13:15 and Romans 8:28-39 silently.

4. Move on to the discussion questions. Let each person share the answers to her assigned question.

5. Encourage the other women to ask questions or make comments.

6. Be prepared to share additional insights from your study.

7. Take time to summarize Mrs. Spencer's conclusions. Use the whiteboard.

8. Assign new prayer partners for the upcoming last meeing.

9. Divide into pairs for the closing prayer time. Pray for one another for increased trust in specific areas.

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Assignment:

Assign each question to one or more women to be completed for your last study time.

1. What does it mean that Job is a "type of Christ"?

2. List the ways in which Job was a type of Christ.

3. What are God's terms for receiving His love?

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Lesson Twelve

Shadows of Jesus

References are in Ch. 12 of Job: Too Wonderful For Me

Lesson Goals:

1. To understand the meaning of "types" in the Bible.

2. To study Job as a "type" of Christ.

3. To respond in praise and obedience to God as He has showed Himself to us in this study.

Lesson Preparation:

1. Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance as you prepare this lesson.

2. Read chapter 12 in Mrs. Spencer's book.

3. Take time to really study the material and look up the Scriptures listed.

4. Work through the assigned questions. These can serve as a basic outline for your class discussion.

5. Make notes of additional related points you will want to bring out in your lesson.

6. Especially since this is the last lesson, you will want to emphasize the "response" aspect as Mrs. Spencer concludes.

Class Procedure:

1. Open with prayer for willing and obedient hearts to respond to God as a result of this lesson.

2. Begin with the first assigned question. Be sure the women have a clear understanding of the definition of "type" in the Bible and how types are used. You may even have them suggest others who are types of Christ (ex: Joseph, Moses, David, Jonah, etc.).

3. Move on to the other discussion questions. You will want to spend the most time on question two. You will not need to take time to look up all the Scripture references in class but you may want to choose a few key verses to lookup.

4. Use the whiteboard to list these ways Job foreshadows Christ. This will help the women get a better visual picture as well as help review the entire study.

5. When you discuss the third question, encourage the women to give personal responses.

6. Conclude the lesson time by having the women share what they have learned personally from this study, especially what they have learned new about God and how He works. Be prepared to share what the study has meant to you.

7. Close with a time of conversational prayer thanking God for who He is and for His Word, His works in our lives, and the fellowship with Him and the other women that have been experienced through the study.

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FOR FURTHER STUDY

DeGraaf, S.G. Promise and Deliverance. A Reformed view of the Scriptures through the Bible in 4 volumes. Paideia Press, 1977.

Bennett, Francis. Job: Lessons in Comfort. CDM, 2009.

Jackson, David R. Job: Crying Out For Vindication. P&R, 2007.

Estes, Daniel. Job. Teach the Text Series. Baker, 2013.

Mason, Mike. The Gospel According to Job: An Honest Look at the Pain and Doubt from the Life of One Who Everything. Crossway, 1994.

Scott, Jack. ABES Job & Psalms. CDM.

Anderson, Francis. Job. Tyndale OT Commentary Series. IVP, 2008.

Ash, Christopher. Job: The Wisdom of the Cross. Preach the Word Series. Crossway, 2014.

Cotton, Bill. Job: Will Your Torment a Windblown Leaf? Focus on the Bible Series. Christian Focus, 2001.

Jackson, Dave. Crying Out for Vindication: Gospel According to Job. P&R, 2007.

All of these works are available through the CDM Bookstore: www.pcabookstore.com